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Saturday, 10 January 2015

5 ways to create extra space in your home

When we moved into our 4 bedroomed house we were a couple. Within 9 months we became a family. Seven years later and our house is bursting at the seems. With the addition of 3 little men, we need some extra space. Moving house is costly. Moving costs alone run into thousands let alone the stress of getting a higher mortgage. Growing families often find that making changes to the house they are in, is the simplest and most cost effective option. So how can you create more space in your house?

1. Declutter

This may sound silly, but it really is amazing how many things we gather that actually just gather dust. Objects that we rarely use that are taking up space. Before you embark on any costly adaptations to your house I would recommend having a good declutter first. This can be done easily using labelled boxes for donating, storing and rubbish. I went through my eldest son's bedroom and actually removed a bookshelf that was not required. Check that you are utlising your cupboards effectively. Companies like Ikea are great at providing storage inspiration and some clever space saving ideas could make the world of difference.

2. Garage Conversion

If you have an integral garage, this might be the option for you. Few people these days actually use their garages to park their cars in. Instead they are cluttered with lawn mowers, bikes and if it is anything like ours, lots of half used cans of paint. A shed can be used to store most of these things and again a declutter will be necessary. Planning permission will need to be obtained but a garage conversion could be the answer to your extra space requirements

3. Conservatory

A conservatory can make a light and relaxing extra room in your house. The most important thing when choosing your conservatory is to make sure that you choose the right one. Inspire offer you a choice of uPVC and timber conservatories with polycarbonate or glass roofs. Personally I feel that roof vents and special glass are important as they will enable you to use your room all year round. You don't want a room that is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Expert advice on offer will mean that you can make the right choices and have an extra room which could be used as a dining room, playroom or somewhere to go and relax.

Photo credit: Inspire

4. Loft conversion

If you don't have any extra space in terms of a garage or garden then this might be the option for you, Lofts are again more often than not a under utilised space in the house. Full of things that we don't need. Why not create this into extra living space?

5.An Extension

An extension to your existing property is another option. Here an architect will enable you to view your house in a different way. They may suggest swopping rooms of your current layout around to suit your needs. This can be a lengthy process if you need to obtain planning permission, however, if it makes your home more usable then it is certainly worth considering.